Evergreen, practical steps – find student-friendly listings on LuluHives (CTA at the end).
Moving to Paris as a student or expat is exciting — and it can be confusing. Rents, paperwork, guarantors, and short-term options all work a little differently in France. This guide walks you step-by-step through the rental journey (search → visit → sign → move-in), explains the key legal points you’ll actually need, and gives practical tips so you can secure a place quickly and with confidence.
1. Before you start: know your basics
Decide budget & priorities. Rent in Paris varies hugely by arrondissement – decide what you can afford and whether you need furnished short-term, long-term unfurnished, or a coloc (flatshare).
Furnished vs unfurnished: Furnished rentals (meublé) are common for students and short stays and usually come with a 1-year lease (sometimes flexible). Unfurnished (vide) leases are often 3 years for individuals.
Short stays & sublets: For internships or semesters, look for furnished short-term rentals, campus residences, or coloc spots near universities.
2. Where to search (quick practical channels)
- University housing services and student Facebook/Telegram groups (active and fast).
- Platforms specializing in student and expat rentals (filter for “furnished”, “short stay”, “colocation”)
- Local agencies and classifieds – but expect to show a full dossier quickly.
Tip: Use LuluHives to browse student-friendly listings and to connect directly with agencies and owners (CTA at the end).
3. Papers you’ll need (prepare a rental dossier)
Landlords and agencies expect a dossier. Have these ready as PDFs or hard copies:
- Passport / national ID and student ID (if applicable).
- Proof of legal stay in France (visa, titre de séjour) for non-EU nationals.
- Proof of income (recent payslips) or guarantor documents. Students often show a parent’s income + guarantor letter.
- A signed guarantor form or a Visale certificate (see below).
- Proof of address (previous rent receipts or a certificate of accommodation).
- Bank details (RIB).
French authorities and official guidance list acceptable documents and the required proofs owners may request Service Public.
4. Deposits, fees & money matters – what to expect
Security deposit (dépôt de garantie): Typically up to 1 month’s rent for unfurnished properties and up to 2 months for furnished rentals. Expect to pay this when you sign.
Agency fees: If you rent through an agency, the tenant’s share of fees is capped and depends on the zone (Paris is subject to specific ceilings). The exact cap per square metre varies by zone; agencies must respect the official scale. Service Public
Be ready to pay: First month’s rent, deposit, and any agency fees – often required to secure a place.
5. Guarantors & deposit alternatives
Family guarantor: A common solution is a solvent guarantor (parent) who signs to guarantee your rent.
VISALE (Action Logement): A free, state-backed guarantee that can act as a guarantor for eligible students and young workers – strongly recommended for students without a private guarantor. Check eligibility and apply before signing. Service Public
Private Guarantors:
6. The visit & what to inspect (checklist)
When you visit, check and note:
- Heating, hot water, water/electric meter readings.
- Internet connectivity and mobile signal.
- Kitchen appliances & safety (gas detector, wired sockets).
- Signs of damp, working windows, and locks.
- Neighborhood vibe (shops, transport, studious hours).
Take photos and ask permission to take a short video walk-through – very useful if you need to contest something later.
7. The contract (le bail) – what to watch for
Length & fixtures: Note if it’s furnished or unfurnished, the lease length, and any included utilities (charges).
Notice period (préavis): Notice varies — in many cases it’s three months for an empty (unfurnished) rental, but in high-pressure zones (including Paris) tenants may have a reduced one-month notice in certain situations. Keep this in mind when planning departures. Service Public
Read clauses carefully: Look for renewal terms, subletting rules, and responsibility for minor repairs.
8. État des lieux – the inventory that protects you
An état des lieux (inventory) is mandatory on arrival and on exit. It records the condition of each room and the state of fixtures; it’s the document used to decide whether the deposit is returned. Always insist on a thorough, signed état des lieux (photos recommended). Service Public
9. Student & expat financial support (APL & other aids)
APL / housing benefits: Students and some tenants may qualify for APL, ALF or ALS from the CAF — apply as soon as you move in; the amount depends on income, household composition and the rental. Don’t assume you won’t qualify; many students get partial help. Service Public
10. Colocation (flatshare) – tips for students
Shared lease vs separate leases: Ask whether the lease is joint (solidarity clause) — with a joint lease you can be liable for other roommates’ unpaid rent. Many students prefer individual leases for less risk.
House rules: Agree on bills, cleaning, visitors, and guest policies in writing. A simple roommate agreement prevents most disputes.
11. Common hurdles & how to overcome them
No guarantor? Apply for Visale, look for owners open to alternative guarantees, or search platforms/agreements aimed at students. Service Public
Fast competition: Good dossiers and fast responses win. Have your files ready as PDFs and be available for quick viewings.
Language barrier: Bring a French-speaking friend, use translated templates, or ask agencies for English documentation; many student-targeted agencies operate in English.
12. Quick moving-in checklist (printable)
- Sign lease & pay deposit.
- Complete & sign état des lieux (take photos).
- Register for utilities & internet if not included.
- Apply for APL (CAF) immediately if eligible.
- Register address with your university (if required).
13. Extra tips to stand out as a student/expat applicant
- Attach a short cover note introducing yourself (course, length of stay, guarantor info).
- Offer to provide references from prior landlords or university housing services.
- If you’re an international student, include a copy of admission letter and any scholarship proof.
Final words – make it easier with the right platform
Renting in Paris is a mix of paperwork and timing. Students and expats who come prepared – with a clean dossier, clear priorities, and knowledge of guarantees like Visale and aids like APL – find places much faster and with less stress. For student-friendly listings, quick contact with owners/agencies, and listings filtered for furnished / short-term / coloc options, browse student listings on LuluHives and sign up to start contacting agencies and owners today.
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